KwaZulu-Natal’s economy received a significant boost with the official launch of the R1.4 billion North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower on 25 July 2025 in uMhlanga, Durban.
This launch marks a major milestone in the R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development. This also features the renowned Oceans Mall and the five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel.
THE OCEANS UMHLANGA NORTH TOWER
The North Tower introduces 258 luxury apartments, ranging from studios to four-bedroom penthouses. With each of them having stunning ocean views along Africa’s East Coast.
Residents will enjoy premium features such as resort-style pools, concierge services, yoga zones, children’s play areas, and inverter readiness, according to Business Tech.
The tower also offers direct access to the Oceans Mall, enhancing convenience and lifestyle quality.
Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development, highlighted the project’s broader impact beyond luxury living.
THE OCEANS UMHLANGA PROPERTY LAUNCH
He said, “This is not just a property launch. It’s a celebration of how far Durban has come and a reflection of the developers’ (Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander) tenacity and unwavering perseverance.”
Mpono added that the development had attracted global attention to KwaZulu-Natal’s potential.
“We’re proud to open doors to a residential offering that combines international luxury standards with local ownership in a way South Africa has never seen before.”
INCLUSIVE GROWTH
The development also demonstrates a deep commitment to social transformation and inclusive growth. About half of the workforce on the North Tower project is young Black South Africans.
A significant representation also consists of young Black women.
Furthermore, Oceans Mall’s retail space is 50% Black-owned, and 12 out of 14 restaurants there are operated by Black entrepreneurs.
To date, the precinct has created over 25,000 jobs during construction, prioritising employment for communities nearby, including Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL IMPACT
Mpono noted the tangible social impact. “Young people are securing jobs in flagship luxury boutiques.
Women are running thriving restaurants. Fathers who once struggled to find employment are now part of reliable teams in logistics and security.
These statistics represent families with renewed hope and dignity.”
Strategically positioned on Lagoon Drive, the North Tower is expected to become a landmark investment in KwaZulu-Natal.
OCEANS UMHLANGA AND DURBAN’S POST PANDEMIC ECONOMY
The development anchors Durban’s post-pandemic economic recovery and rises amid growing interest in the province’s property sector.
Looking ahead, a new R1.3 billion leisure investment is planned for the forthcoming South Tower, indicating sustained growth for the precinct.
Mpono commented, “The completion of the Oceans Umhlanga Residential Towers is a vote of confidence from the developers.
It’s confidence in Durban, in our people, and in the kind of future we can build when world-class investment meets authentic transformation.”
A NEW CHAPTER
The launch event of the North Tower attracted media, investors, development partners, and government officials, including the Mayor and Premier of KwaZulu-Natal.
This reflects strong public and private sector support for the project’s vision and impact.
This development signals a new chapter for KwaZulu-Natal.
It fosters luxury living while driving inclusive economic opportunities in communities around uMhlanga and Durban’s northern suburbs.
It reaffirms the province’s position as a leading destination for both local and international investment.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE OCEANS UMHLANGA DEVELOPMENT WILL IMPACT KWAZULU-NATAL’S ECONOMY IN THE LONG TERM?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
